Massive 8.9 Earthquake in Northern Japan triggers tsunami

Sendai, Japan- In what appears to be the hardest hit area of the country, Japanese news media are reporting that the death tolls are as high as 1000. The 8.9 earthquake is the largest Japan has had in over 100 years and is the 5th largest quake in recorded history.

( Paul Duginski, Los Angeles Times / March 11, 2011 )

Here in California, the tsunami early warning systems were in full effect as reports of massive waves over 23 feet in height were reported in Japan, but as the early morning hours waned into the morning commute, fears abated as reports from Hawaii and Oregon came in and no major damage was felt in those areas.